THE PENITENT AND THE IMPENITENT THIEVES
(Lk 23:32–43; Isa 53:12)
Biblical Identity and Primary References
Dismas and Gestas are the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus—one on His right and the other on His left (Lk 23:32–33). The canonical Gospels do not record their names. Christian tradition, preserved in the fourth-century non-canonical Gospel of Nicodemus, identifies them as Dismas (the penitent thief) and Gestas (the impenitent thief). Their presence fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy: “He was counted among the rebels” (Isa 53:12).
Though they appear only briefly in Scripture, their final words and attitudes reveal a dramatic spiritual contrast. They represent two possible human responses to Christ: rejection and repentance.
Historical and Cultural Background
Crucifixion was a Roman form of execution reserved for slaves, rebels, bandits, and political insurgents. It was intended not only to kill but to humiliate and terrorize. Many of those crucified were guilty of violent crimes or insurrection.
Jesus, though innocent, was executed among criminals, emphasizing His complete solidarity with sinners. Luke alone preserves the dialogue between Jesus and the two criminals (Lk 23:39–43), presenting one of the most profound theological moments in the Gospel.
Detailed Biblical Biography
Gestas mocked Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us” (Lk 23:39). His words were not a prayer but a challenge. He demanded proof without faith, deliverance without repentance. Though physically near Jesus, he remained spiritually distant.
Dismas responded differently. He rebuked Gestas, acknowledging divine justice and his own guilt: “We have been condemned justly… but this man has done nothing criminal” (Lk 23:41). Then he turned to Jesus with humble faith: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Lk 23:42).
This was a remarkable confession. While others mocked Jesus as powerless, Dismas recognized Him as King precisely when He appeared most defeated. Jesus answered him with divine authority: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk 23:43).
With this declaration, Jesus revealed that salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward for works. The Catholic Church honors Dismas as a saint—the only person canonized directly by Jesus.
References in Other Parts of the Bible
Dismas mirrors the repentant sinner of Psalm 51 and the tax collector in Jesus’ parable who prays, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Lk 18:13). Gestas reflects Pharaoh’s hardened heart (Ex 7–11) and those who mocked God’s prophets (2 Chr 36:16).
The scene also echoes Wisdom 2:12–20, where the righteous one is mocked while suffering.
Jewish Tradition and Understanding
While Jewish tradition does not preserve details about these individuals, their presence beside Jesus reflects Isaiah’s Suffering Servant motif—where the righteous sufferer is counted among criminals (Isa 53:12). Their contrasting responses align with Jewish wisdom traditions emphasizing repentance and hardened hearts.
Catholic Interpretation and Teaching
Dismas is a model of perfect contrition—sorrow for sin motivated by love of God rather than fear of punishment. He demonstrates that repentance, faith, humility, and hope can exist even at life’s final moment.
Gestas illustrates despair and spiritual pride—demanding God conform to human expectations rather than surrendering to divine mercy.
The Church sees this scene as revealing the Cross as a throne of mercy and judgment. Even before the Resurrection, Jesus reigns as King, opening Paradise to the repentant.
Connection to Jesus, Mary, or Salvation History
Dismas is the first beneficiary of Christ’s redemptive death. Before the Resurrection, Jesus applies the fruits of His sacrifice to a repentant sinner. This shows that salvation flows directly from the Cross.
The scene anticipates Christ’s teaching: “The Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost” (Lk 19:10).
Typology and New Testament Fulfillment
Dismas represents the repentant sinner who enters the Kingdom by grace. Gestas represents hardened rejection. Together, they typify humanity divided before Christ—the sheep and the goats, the humble and the proud, the open heart and the closed one.
What Makes This Person Unique
Dismas is the only person personally assured of heaven by Jesus during His earthly life. Gestas embodies the tragedy of refusing mercy even when it stands before him.
Strengths and Virtues
Dismas showed humility, repentance, courage, faith, and hope. He acknowledged his guilt, defended Christ’s innocence, and trusted in Jesus’ kingship.
Weaknesses, Failures, or Sins
Both were criminals. Scripture does not specify their crimes, but both were condemned justly (Lk 23:41). Gestas’ sin was not only criminal but spiritual—mockery, pride, and refusal to repent.
Lessons for Christian Leadership and Witnessing
This scene teaches that conversion is always possible, that no one is beyond mercy, and that faith must be humble. Christian leaders must never despair of souls, no matter how broken.
Reflection
Dismas reminds us that it is never too late to turn to Christ. Grace can transform even a lifetime of sin in a single moment. His repentance shows that salvation is not earned—it is received.
Gestas warns us against bitterness, despair, and hardened hearts. He challenges us to examine how we respond to suffering: do we mock God, or do we surrender to Him?
Jesus’ promise to Dismas assures believers that eternal life is offered even at the last breath. The Cross is not only a place of pain—it is the doorway to Paradise.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, crucified for our salvation, teach us the humility of Dismas, the courage to repent, and the faith to trust You even in our darkest hour. Remember us, Lord, when You come into Your kingdom, and lead us into the joy of Your eternal mercy. Amen.